Molecules based on cages of metal atoms ('metal clusters') exhibit properties that are usually very different from those known for organic molecules – although analogies are possible. The present case illustrates how a prism of metal atoms helps realizing a new type of aromaticity – φ-aromaticity.

Polymersomes are an excellent platform to generate cell-like entities with life-like behaviour. Inspired by the circadian rhythm, we explored feedback-controlled networks between chemically communicating polymersome populations.

Bearing both hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments, small molecule and polymeric amphiphiles have involved in almost every aspect of surfactant/colloidal chemistry, delivery nanocarriers, and biomaterials. We herein add a new motif into them by embedding sequence information at the junction point.

cis-stilbene is a photochemical prototype for cis-trans olefinic photoisomerisation. In our recent work, we show that this process maintains coherence throughout the reaction path, even in liquid-phase. This has interesting implications for the evolutionary favourability of this reaction in biology.